First deer with the Model 92 44-40

[Fatboyz]

When my dad passed this spring I got 2 lever rifles from him that had been sitting on various relatives walls for the last 55+ years. One was a 32-40 model 92, and this model 92, SRC in 44-40. I found some new starline brass and dies from a fellow in BC and got some 200 grain cast boolits from Jet bullets here in Alberta. I got it all cleaned up and have been shooting it with 35 Grains of Goex FF Black Powder. Out to 100m I figured I should be good. Our rifle season opened here on Nov. 1 and I have had it out a few days but we have been getting a fair bit of snow. Today was a beautiful day, ahead of another storm coming tomorrow. I was out this morning and saw one doe but it was way too far. I found a spot with a lot of tracks for the evening sit. Went to head out and had an almost flat tire on the truck. Rushed over to a shop that is owned by two hunters and they got me in right away. I drove out to the woods and parked, wind was perfect. Walking in to my spot, a bit later than I had hoped, and I spotted a nice single doe just ready to come out of the bush into a narrow grass lane between the next fence row and a field. I kneeled down and when it hopped the fence I got a shot off. The deer didn't seem hit and just trotted and hopped off through the woods on the other side. I gave it a few inutes and went to look, 30M from where it was standing I found a small spot of blood. I followed the tracks in the snow and there was the odd spot of blood here and there. After about 125m I saw a little more blood spray, I looked up and 15m ahead it lay dead. It was a nice big dry doe. I hit it a little high in the chest but got a double lung complete pass through. What a satisfying hunt and very happy to get this old girl back in the field. I'll post a picture if I can figure out how!

[Nobade]

Congratulations! Getting to bag a deer with Dad's old rifle is a special thing. I recently got Dad's old '73 44-40 going and am hoping to get one with it before too long. Your deer will be extra good I bet.

[trapper9260]

That is great use your Dad's rifle and bag one , he is looking down on you with a smile .

[00buck]

Very good!
I love it when a plan comes together.
Congratulations

[Muskyhunter1]

Congrats. Good work.

[GregLaROCHE]

Congratulations! Your dad is proud of you!

[JRD]

Well done.
It sounds like you've got next year's deer rifle already selected in the 32-40 as well.

[Fatboyz]

Well done.
It sounds like you've got next year's deer rifle already selected in the 32-40 as well.

My plan for this year was the 32-40 as it has quite a bit longer barrel than the 44-40 carbine and I thought it would be the obvious choice. I need to spend some more time figuring out loads for it as it is spitting bullets all over with a full case of FF. Might have to try some FFF or maybe a light load of smokeless?

[missionary5155]

Congratulations !!! The 44 WCF is one fine corn cruncher "twapper".
Our state ILL-NOIS still does not trust us to hunt with centerfire rifles. So we use revolvers and duplicate BP velocities. We use a 220 grain FN and wack the shoulders. No tracking.

[pworley1]

Congratulations!

[725]

Special rifle creates a fond memory. Well done.

[Savvy Jack]

Well done!

[Ramjet-SS]

Outstanding

[Bazoo]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

[ohiochuck]

Enjoy for years to come
Jim

[indian joe]

My plan for this year was the 32-40 as it has quite a bit longer barrel than the 44-40 carbine and I thought it would be the obvious choice. I need to spend some more time figuring out loads for it as it is spitting bullets all over with a full case of FF. Might have to try some FFF or maybe a light load of smokeless?

are you using an over powder wad in the 32-40? if not try it - a nice solid card or poly wad ( 10 litre water jugs are about 40 thou HDPE - works a treat in a couple of my rifles) -- most 44/40 's seem to do fine without but bigger (longer) cases usually respond with better accuracy - make sure your boolit is fat enough for the bore too.

[35 Whelen]

Excellent job! There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of taking game with the old rifles, especially lever rifles!

35W

[uscra112]

There was a time when gun writers could say that the .44-40 had taken more game than all other calibers combined. 'Course that was 90 years ago, but it still works!

[Fatboyz]

are you using an over powder wad in the 32-40? if not try it - a nice solid card or poly wad ( 10 litre water jugs are about 40 thou HDPE - works a treat in a couple of my rifles) -- most 44/40 's seem to do fine without but bigger (longer) cases usually respond with better accuracy - make sure your boolit is fat enough for the bore too.

No I’m not! My first go with BP cartridges but going to give that a go! Thanks for the tip.

[uscra112]

Don't leave airspace above a hard wad. Some years ago now it was proven conclusively that it is the prime cause of chamber ringing. Won't be an issue if you're compressing the BP like you're supposed to, of course.